Brushless DC Motor for a Solar Airplane Application: Comparison between Simulations and Measurements

The paper presents a comparison between analytical model, the finite elements method (FEM) simulations and measurements for a brushless DC motor used in a solar airplane project. In the preliminary conception phase, an optimization using an analytical model is performed. The motor efficiency and its weight are the key parameters. According to the obtained theoretical optimal configuration, a prototype is built. Airgap flux density, back-emf, iron losses and cogging torque are measured to validate the analytical model. Using a customized test bench, a special emphasis is made on the iron losses in the whole motor (stator and rotor).